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If you enjoy practical outdoor work, are good with your hands and can handle heights with ease, you might be suited to becoming a rigger. Riggers are skilled tradesmen who specialise in moving machinery, structural steel and other heavy objects around worksites by using rigging gear such as pulleys, winches, cables and ropes. They play a pivotal role on construction sites and are also responsible for performing quick calculations that are essential for engineering principles and loads. You can feel confident that each day will be different and packed with action.
There’s a clear path you can take to working as a rigger in Australia. Find out what rigger training and experience you need to secure employment in the industry.
Duties & Tasks
Riggers work predominately outdoors on construction sites. However, they are also required in the entertainment industry to assist with tasks such as setting up and disassembling stages. They can also work in factories, mines and onboard ships.
Once you have your rigging licence, you can expect to take on tasks where you:
- Calculate load weights to determine the type of equipment required to move them
- Use rigging gear to transport, move and install heavy items
- Reinforce scaffolding as needed and disassemble scaffolding at the completion of the project
- Erect cranes and extend the height of tower cranes
- Build temporary lifting devices as needed
- Inspect, maintain and repair equipment
- Fasten ropes and cables to create slings and tackle
- Make sure safety requirements are being met at all times.
To become a rigger, it’s vital that you’re able to cope with the physical demands of the job. The first step to getting your rigger’s ticket is to enrol in a basic rigging course that will teach you the fundamentals of the trade.
Get Qualified
Before you get started on a worksite, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to get you there.
Choose a Course
Riggers need to have specialised knowledge in order to carry out their work. This is learned through undertaking rigger courses. It’s important to choose an accredited rigging course that is a nationally recognised qualification in order to be able to work anywhere in Australia. These specific rigger courses will provide you with industry insight and key knowledge to work safely on site.
If you’re interested in advancing your rigging skills, consider enrolling in our Intermediate Rigging Course to further enhance your expertise.
Obtain Your Rigging Licence
To work as a rigger, you’ll need a rigging licence. In order to obtain this, you will need to successfully demonstrate to the qualified assessor that you are fully capable of carrying out a rigger’s duties safe and soundly. You can receive your licence through rigging courses that offer an assessment at the course conclusion.
Enrol with Major Training and receive your rigger’s ticket.
Apply for Your First Job
Once you’ve completed your rigger training and received your licence, you’ll be ready to find work. Be sure to highlight your qualifications and the relevant experience when putting together your CV and cover letter.
Choose a Specialty
As the building industry continues to thrive, so do work opportunities for riggers. If you’re looking to progress your rigging career, consider honing your skills in a specialty area such as a dockside rigger, scaffolder or a steel fixer to further increase your employability.
Major Training offers training opportunities via our available rigging courses. Enrol today to kickstart your trade career today.
